The Fate of US-Made Abrams M1 Tanks in Ukraine Amid Conflict with Russia
By Gabriel Rivera
Published January 4, 2024
The US promised to supply Ukraine with 31 M1 tanks in January 2022 as the country prepared for its summer counteroffensive, which eventually started in early June. However, Kiev only received the American armor in October when it became clear that its attempts to advance failed to deliver the desired results. Throughout the summer, the Ukrainians primarily relied on German-made Leopard 2 tanks and US-supplied Bradley fighting vehicles, several of which have been destroyed or captured by the Russian military. British Challenger 2 tanks have been used on a limited scale, with London officially confirming the loss of one such vehicle.
The Mystery Surrounding the Deployment of the Abrams Tanks
Forbes reported that the fate of the US-made Abrams M1 tanks in Ukraine remains uncertain. The outlet highlighted the lack of evidence of the tanks' deployment and questioned which Ukrainian brigade would operate the US-supplied armor. It suggested that the M1 tanks might be assigned to the 47th Mechanized Brigade, which is already armed with Leopard 2s and engaged in holding off Russian forces in the strategic village of Avdeevka in Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic.
Reasons Behind Delayed Combat Deployment
Forbes proposed that the absence of Abrams tanks in combat could be attributed to efforts to 'up-armor' the tanks to resist attacks by Russia’s explosive-laden first-person-view drones. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have been equipping their armor with additional protective measures to counter the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles, which are now considered a significant danger to tanks on both sides. The outlet acknowledged the inevitability of Ukraine losing some of its M-1s and emphasized that while the US armor is among the best-protected tanks in the world, they are not invulnerable to attack, particularly on their top and sides.
Russian Response and Warnings
The article also addressed Russia's response to the deliveries of weapons to Ukraine by the US and its allies. Moscow has repeatedly warned that such deliveries will not prevent it from achieving the goals of its military operation in Ukraine. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have emphasized that any Western-supplied hardware will be destroyed, regardless of type, increasing the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Latest Stories
Empowering Diversity: Jefferson University's Initiative to Increase Black Doctors
Sony Pictures Entertainment Reports Impressive Third-Quarter Earnings
Enhancing India-UAE Relations: Modi's Visit and Bilateral Agreements
Ottawa Senators' Ridly Greig Speaks Out After Controversial Goal and Cross-Check Incident
Empowering Diversity in Medicine: Black Men in White Coats at Jefferson University
